The Secret Life of Pets Problems in New York

Backed Into a Corner

Surveying the battlefield around him, Max searched for anyone who needed his help. He had just witnessed Mel and Buddy take down Lester and the Jackals of the Bronx. Snowball and Ripper had finished off Alpha and Shadow while Chloe and Ozone led all of the cats against Ghost and Misty. By the looks of things, the battle was in their favor.

Suddenly, a powerful force sent Max crashing into the side of an old truck. Head aching, the small dog was about to get to his feet when a large metal paw stepped on his chest and pinned him to the ground. Claws pricked his throat. Gasping for breath, Max stared into the face of Star. The German shepherd grinned evilly at her victim. Though her new left eye showed no emotion, her right one did. And in that amber glow, Max could see a lust for killing.

"Danger will never doubt my loyalty to him after I finish you!" Star snarled, her tail lashing side to side. Baring her fangs, she continued, "You know, I'm actually envious of you and your girlfriend. Both of you love and respect one another. Danger never showed me any of that! But now, he just might..." Opening her jaws wide, the German shepherd was about to deliver the killing blow when a familiar yet unexpected voice retorted, "Hate to burst your bubble but you're not killing this dog."

All of the sudden, a dark figure crashed into the German shepherd's face. Yelping, Star toppled backwards and disappeared out of sight. Coughing, Max got back on his feet and faced his savior. It was only then where the small dog recognized the figure. "Tiberius?!" he exclaimed in disbelief. Smiling, the old hawk replied, "In the flesh." Blinking his eyes, Max stammered, "But... aren't you... I don't know... dead?!" Chuckling quietly to himself, Tiberius answered, "Newsflash, I've learned over the years to play dead."

"And this time, you're going to stay dead!" a menacing voice growled as Star pounced at Tiberius, causing them to roll down towards the shore of the Hudson River...